November 18, 2007

More On Modified RFM For E-Mail Targeting

Companies loaded with analytical talent have interesting algorithms to make these decisions. Yesterday, we talked about a shortcut that gets us 80% of the benefit for about 5% of the work.

But what do you do when one version of an e-mail campaign is so much more productive than another? In other words, say you have a Mens and Womens version of an e-mail campaign, and the customer could receive either version, but the Mens version is much less productive (sales per e-mail) than the Womens version?

A shortcut is to evaluate the historical difference in productivity, and apply that to the "weighting" score from yesterday's post. In other words, if the Mens version performs at 65% the level of a Womens version, multiply your Mens weighting scheme by 65%.

Again, this is statistical blasphemy. But you don't work at a company where you have thirteen statisticians sitting around waiting for new and exciting challenges. You're lucky to have one good analyst, and the demands upon this person's time are many. So take the shortcut, and get 80% of the benefit for 5% of the work. And when you have the money and/or human resources to do e-mail targeting the right way, by all means, pursue the ideal answer.

Kevin Hillstrom, President, MineThatData

Kevin is President of MineThatData, a consultancy that helps CEOs understand the complex relationship between Customers, Advertising, Products, Brands, and Channels. Kevin supports a diverse set of clients, including internet startups, thirty million dollar catalog merchants, international brands, and billion dollar multichannel retailers. Kevin is frequently quoted in the mainstream media, including the New York Times, Boston Globe, and Forbes Magazine.

Prior to founding MineThatData, Kevin held various roles at leading multichannel brands, including Vice President of Database Marketing at Nordstrom, Director of Circulation at Eddie Bauer, and Manager of Analytical Services at Lands' End.

FAQ For Vendors / Content Providers

1 - I do not accept advertising on this blog.

2 - I do not accept unsolicited content, including interviews, press releases, podcasts, discussions, posts, or other associated content promoting your products, services, or events. This blog is designed to promote my products, services, and content.

3 - As a continuation of (2), I do not accept guest blog posts, regardless of your situation. And I will not link to your blog post or white paper.

4 - I do not exchange links. In fact, I no longer publish reciprocal links to other websites.